I Love You Elizabeth Taylor

Back in LA, in June of 1998, I did a show called "Spring Outing" which was the kick off for a theatre company supported by Artists In Recovery..AIR!
I sang a song called "I Love You Elizabeth Taylor" where I sang all of her last names. OY it took forever to memorize that!
It was a lot of fun though! Unfortunately the company never took off, but we did have a rousing start..and finish.
I wrote a letter to Miss Taylor telling her of the show and thanking her for all her humanitarian efforts.
I received a note a few weeks later, which I still have. Yes, on lavendar note paper!
I still love you, Elizabeth Tayler, Hilton, Wilding, Todd, Fisher, Burton, Burton, Warner, Fortenski!

Grease is STILL the Word

Kathrine as Jan and me as Roger, prepping for the big Hand Jive contest!


Back L to R Me, Tim, Mark, Mindy, Steve
Front L to R Katherine, Steve, Donna and Meryl


I posted one photo earlier of Donna Lillard Migliaccio as Rizzo in GREASE for The Fairlington Players.
Here are more pics.
Spring of 1983! God that seems so long ago.
Best part of the show was meeting Donna and forming a lifelong friendship. She has and always will be one of my favorite performers. She is simply amazing!!! I think! And many agree as she has won several Helen Hayes Awards to prove it!
Phil Harris directed the show. Ironically he had been my 8th grade English teacher for a while back at Hayfield Secondary.
Also in the cast was
Steve Harris as Doody
Meryl Maschel Hellring as Frenchy
Mindy Recht as Marty
Amy Bruch McWilliams as Sandy
Steve McWilliams as Danny
Tim Rankin as Sonny
Katherine as Jan
Mark Crabtree as Kenickie
Peggy Mitchell as Miss Lynch
Mark Gregory as Johnny Casino
Jodie Scott as Patty Simcox
and a few other talented people whose names I can't remember at present.
It was, for the most part, a fun show. Certain cast members caused unneeded pressure with immature shenanigans, but we all pulled it together and the show was well received.
I do have video, so I'll see if I can post some of that as well.
We'll always...be together!!!

Miss Kim Lisa Lee

I found these two blurry photos from after Miss Kim left us, got married and became Lisa Lee.
She brought her daughter Jennifer Lee over to visit is.
April Fool's day 1978.
Sonya in red Randy in blue shorts.

Think About Your Life Pippin

In the Winter of 1982 I was in the chorus of Port City Playhouse's version of "Pippin" choreographed by Steve Harris and music directed by Linda Ray.
It was the first time I ever really was a dancer. I did well enough. Steve transferred much of Bob Fosee's choreography as he could to us and I think we all did an admirable job. David Meltzer was Pippin and Marge Tischer did make-up.
David won the ACT award that year and tied with Steve Harris who played Joseph in SCT's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". I was in that too!

John Long, Stigger Thompson, Darrell Smith and Tony Westbrook singing back-up for Mary Ruth Alred Follett as Bertha in "No Time At All"
Me and Darrell as Pippin's human throne! Thank goodness he was light!

Congrats to Eric D. Schaeffer and Signature Theatre CLICK HERE

Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia is the recipient of the 2009 Tony Award for Regional Theatre. That is pretty awesome! They are currently celebrating their 20th Anniversary!
I remember when it was...not in existence! I also remember one of their first shows, "Sweeney Todd" starring my friend Donna Lillard Migliaccio as Mrs. Lovett. They had that production in the old library of an old school where the Fairlington Players did their shows at Gunston School in Arlington, VA.
I moved to LA in 1988 primarily because at that time there was only Community Theatre with the exception of a few professional theatres in Washington, DC. Certainly not enough for an actor/singer to make a living. So, my friend Mary Markham and I moved to LA to follow our quest.
Little did I know that my friend Donna Lillard Migliaccio and Eric D. Schaeffer had decided to form a theatre company. So, while I was in LA, Donna and Eric and a few others put it all together. Bit by bit. They started out in an old building that was used as a car repair shop on Four Mile Run in Shirlington, VA. Together, they builtthe theatre into the success it is today. Most of the time Donna was onstage and Eric directed or produced.
Donna and I had done several shows together in Community Theatre, starting with "Grease" in 1983 where she played Rizzo to perfection. We also did several ACT award shows and were part of The Arlington Singers with Joyce Weiser and Brenda Wessner. Donna always shone in every role she played!!!
Eric is a great director and scenic designer. But, most people don't know that when he first came to Northern VA from Pennsylvania, he was an actor.
I met him when Springfield Community Theatre did "Godspell" directed by Phil Harris and Stage Managed by Donna Lillard. Eric came in and auditioned and won the role of Jesus from the very start. He was, in many people's words, the "golden boy". The cast was large and filled with wonderful talent. We had such a blast! The show lends itself to bonding and childlike fun and we sure took advantage of it! I was John the Baptist and got to sing "Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord".
With the advent of Facebook I have been able to reconnect with many from that cast.
Also, with the help of a great scanner, I have been able to upload photos. Here, to honor Eric, Donna, Signature Theatre, and to remember a fun and wonderful time - are some photos from that show.
"God Save the People"
Donna Lillard as Rizzo preparing to go on in GREASE!

Amy Bruch McWilliams in the silver unitard in "God Save the People".


Darrell Smith, myself (as Noah) and Glenn Sartori


Eric D. Schaeffer as Jesus and me as John as I "baptize him.

Eric D. Schaeffer as Jesus

Oliver

Me as Noah Claypole (sans fake zits) and Donna Lillard Migliaccio as Nancy!

Gone But Not Forgotten

The wonderful thing about photos is, if cared for, they last a long time, maybe forever. They outlast the people in them. Mementos and memories of days gone by and friends passed on.
Ellen, Ed and Mark Gregory

This photo is of Mark Gregory. He is the red head in the zebra collar! He was the music director of "Grease" when we did it at Fairlington in May 1983. I thought it was later, but am looking at the back of this photo. Ellen was our make up lady, Ed was the choreographer. Mark also sang "Born to Hand Jive" and did and excellent job I might add! He was so much fun and lived at 1900 S. Eads St. in Crystal City in Crystal House 1, before Amy, Steve and I moved in.
Unfortunately he found out he had AIDS in the Summer of 1985 or 1986. He was doing "1940's Radio Hour" for Springfield Community Theatre and had to drop out. I had auditioned and not been cast, but they called me to come take over for him. I did so, sadly. I am not sure what year he died, but I know when I heard it made me sad, sad for this talented, wonderful man to have gone too soon!

Doug Sanford, David Frable, and Jennifer.
This photo is May of 1985. We were doing "Oliver" for The Arlington Players. I was in the chorus and had a bit part as Noah Claypole, the undertaker's son. Complete with fake zits!
Doug Sanford played the Artful Dodger and this was his first role in community theatre in Northern VA. He was wonderful so I couldn't be too jealous of him. Even though he was cute to boot!!
David Frable played Bumble! He was hysterical. He made me laugh so much, both on stage and off. Such a sweet, funny, lovable man. We also did "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" together, as well as "Man of La Mancha".
David got sick with AIDS and died, while I was out living in Los Angeles, around 1995 or early 1996. I had heard he was very sick, so I called him and miraculously got him on the phone. We talked for a bit and I was so glad to be able to make him laugh a bit. I told him that every chance I got I would sing one of the songs he rewrote, naughty versions of songs from shows we did. Though he also wrote a song about "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" to the tune of "Food Glorious Food" which isn't so naughty but very, very funny! "Before I put Blanche in her chair! First I'll feed her rats and then I'll pull her hair!!!"
David in make up as Bumble and Maureen.


I know I posted some pics earlier in a post about David. There are more, so hopefully I can get them on soon.
David and Mark, you are not forgotten! Thank you for your wonderful talent and your friendships!!!

Cathy K is the Key

Two more photos from that same trip! One is taken at Cathy's house before we left for the party. Her parakeet Vegemite was trained to talk, really. He would say things like "Did you fart?" and "pretty bird". He even kissed! June 2, 1984

Later, not long after the photo in the previous post with Stephanie, this photo was taken. Cathy knew one of the guys but we met the other three at the party and had a blast. They were so fun, especially the guy in the red hair.
Later we all went to a go cart track and were riding go carts. I was soo drunk by then, not good.
At least we had fun together on a wonderful spring afternoon. I wonder where they all are now?

From Meryl to Melanie

Two photos taken two days apart. Note the red handkerchief around my neck. I wore that for a while in 1984 after I did "Man of La Mancha"

My friend Meryl Maschel Hellring and I were walking around the Village with my friend Cathy K when we happened upon a store window and noticed a cat sitting inside. Photo op! Meryl had just bought Bette Midler's album "Broken Blossoms". That was June 3, 1984. We were in "Grease" together in VA in community theatre, circa 1984. She played Frenchie and was wonderful. She moved to NY and was living in an apt with two other girls around this time. I remember coming to visit and staying in the living room. The kitche was so small you literally had to go in sideways.
I do remember walking around NY by myself while she was at work and realizing I was too afraid of everything then to live here! That's when the subways were disgusting and scary. Thank GOD for Giuliani!

This photo is at a party in New Jersey with Melanie Safka's sister Stephanie the day before, June 2, 1984. Cathy K drove my sister Sonya and I up and we all went to this wonderful party. Unfortunately I got rip roaring drunk and stoned and overdid it, as I usually did. I had the AUDACITY to try to smoke a cigarette in Cathy's car and she put up with it, till finally I lit up one too many times and she grabbed it out of my mouth and threw it out the window! No more smoking! I had crossed the line!
Thank God I don't drink or smoke anymore!

Bathing Beauty Mom

I found this snapshot of Mom and fixed it up on Flikr and Picnik.

Except for the shaved eyebrows, which was the fashion then, she looks almost modern day. Modern?

Not sure when this was, probably after they were married. Early 1950's.

Miss Kim aka Lisa Lee

After my mom died our father hired a succession of housekeepers/sitters because he was working full time in the Air Force.
We had a couple of live in housekeepers, but by far the best and most remembered is Miss Kim.
She came over from Korea to work and lived with us for a year I believe. She was very sweet, very naive and very kind.
She cooked wonderful Korean meals for us.
We introduced her to pop culture and music. She loved the theme song from "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte".
I seem to recollect that it was 1973 when she was with us.
All good things don't last though. She met with local Koreans from time to time and eventually met and married a man and moved out to start a new life.
At one point she was a dental assistant in Springfield.
I do remember her coming by once with her small daughter. She seemed happy and her daughter was such a cutie.
Being young and uninformed we weren't always the best behaved and she did have to put up with our antics from time to time.
But, we all came to love her and when she left we were all very sad.
I found this photo of Randy helping her go over her English. She really wanted to learn! She was very bright!
Thank you Miss Kim!

Sheri and Bobby and Me

The photo below was taken at Tammy Scruggs' apt. for the cast party of WINNIE THE POOH. I was Pooh, Sheri Stanley Herren was Kanga and Bobby Buchanan was musical director. He did step in and play Christopher Robin when we toured Covington though.


Bobby Buchanan dressed up as "The Picture of Dorian GAY" for Halloween Oct. 31, 1981. Pretty good costume and I think he even won a costume award later that night!

More Memories from Radford University

Sheri Stanley Herren, Keith Gardner and Amy as The Upsons from MAME

Rob Duckworth, Sheri Stanley Herren and Lynn Osborn as Eugene, Patty Simcox and Miss Lynch from GREASE

Mark Curran, Rizzo, me and Tammy Heinrich as Kenickie, Roger and Jan from GREASE

Sheila Crowley Gosselin and I at the cast party for MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM - Sheila is below in the lavendar - along with Suzy Tyler in Red, Sandra Young in yellow, Beth Harkins in white, Sheila Stewart in blue, Alisa Eichner in Green, Dawn Miller in dark green, Laurel Neville in Acqua, Sandraw W in rust, Diane in orange


Monica, me, and Melinda Driscoll as Helena, Snug the Joiner and Hermia from MIDSUMMER


More pics from the Radford Theatre years, 1979-1981.

Pics from Grease, Midsummer Night's Dream and Mame!

They'rey Playing Our Song

Going through pictures again. Found this one from Port City Playhouse's show "They're Playing Our Song" directed by Tim Lynch.

Micheal Noel, myself and this man, Allen, played the male voices.

We nicknamed ourselves Nella, Mildred and Thelma..do NOT ask me why.

It was a lot of fun. Sadly, Michael passed away from AIDS a while back. I can still hear his laugh!

I had that piano for the longest time, but finally let go of it, like so much memorabilia.

Miss you Nella and Thelma!

Remembering Mom and Dad

Today would have been my Mom's 80th birthday. Hard to believe she could be that old. She died in 1971 when she was 41. Forever young.
I will not wallow in sadness though. I wished her a Happy Birthday last night! Saturday I heard "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" when I was in the Duane Reed around the corner. Her favorite song when she died. A sign? I like to think so.

I also remember Dad, Lt. Col. James W. Westbrook. He is buried at Arlington Cemetary. He did not die in battle, but he served in 3 wars WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He loved his country and instilled that in all of us kids.

I do remember Mr. Abene. He died in the Vietnam War. He was our neighbor in Springfield, VA. Thank you for serving so valiently Mr. Abene!

I love you and miss you Yvonne Eileen Hammer Westbrook!
Dad, thank you for all you did to help us all enjoy a free life!

I Am a Child of the Universe CLICK HERE

You are a child of the universe.
No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender,
Be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others -
Even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons - they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career -
However humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.

Many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love.

For in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
It is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the council of the years,
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune,
But do not distress yourself with imaginings -

Many fears are borne of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe.
No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful.

Strive to be happy.

Birthday Baby Boys and Gals!

Auntie Cheryl and Nephew Jason celebrate their birthdays, hers May 10th and his May 2nd (7th birthday)

Uncle Tony when he was around 3 when we lived on Hickam AFB in Hawaii!

Grease is STILL the Word!

One of my fondest memories is doing GREASE in the Studio Theatre at Radford University in April of 1981. Except for hurting my back by overdoing it at gym class the day we opened, it was an amazing experience. We were jam packed with audiences and had to do an extra show. Everyone wanted to see it. It was done in the studio theatre as it was directed by theatre student Tammy Scruggs.
We had a blast! Everyone was so wonderful!
I wish we had recorded it somehow, but at least I have these photos.
Mark Curran was Kenickie
I was Roger, the mooning champ of Rydell High
Bobby Buchanan was Teen Angel and did the music. He did an amazing job!
Sheri Stanley Herren was Patty Simcox
Rob Duckworth was Eugene
Lori Makela was Sandy
Phil Villotte was Danny
Christopher Bruch Marsh was Doody
Tammy Neininger was Jan
Laura Giorgi was Frenchy
GeGe Beall was in the chorus as was Laura Neville
Tony Loman was Sonny
I have forgotten a few other names, sorry.
Suzy Tyler was in the chorus as well.
It was so much fun!!!
We all bonded and had such a blast! We were all "stars" on campus for a while.
It was one of the first college productions at the time as well.
What a joy!

Oh Pooh!

The only starring role I got my whole 4 years at Radford University was in the children's production of "Winnie the Pooh" directed by Tammy Scruggs.
I played Pooh like Shirley Temple, but not as over the top.
It was fun. The costumes were done by Lynn Osborn and were amazing!
Sheri Stanley Herren was Kanga, Rob Duckworth was Christopher Robin, Mary Colleen Knapp was Piglet, Susan Marie Hodnett was Roo, Brian Compton was Owl, Pat Miller was Eyore with assorted others as animals. Pardon my memory for not remembering names.
Here are three backstage photos of Sheri and I. The costume was HOT, and not sexy hot.
At one point I was hoisted up on a wire to fly as I held my "blue balloon". It wasn't that high, but I was always afraid Mark Curran was gonna slip and drop me. Thankfully he never did and I am truly grateful for that.
It was fun!
We did a short tour of Covington, but had to replace Sheri and Rob, so Bobby Buchanan played Christopher Robin and Tammy Scruggs played Kanga. It was a hoot!
Fond memories!

Tim Doran Arranger Composer Pianist AWESOME! CLICK HERE

My friend Tim Doran in Los Angeles just created a new website. Check it out!
Tim was the GENIUS behind so many songs I recorded in Los Angeles for Mike Ricciardi. He is an amazing pianist, composer, arranger, song stylist and a great guy too!
I wish I could hit the jackpot and fly Tim out to NY for my own personal accompanist, but for now I can't. SOON? HOPE HOPE HOPE!
If you live in CA, check him out!
He gets my seal of approval A+ Gold Star 100%!!!

Radford University Radford Theatre

A friend of Sheila Crowley Gosselin's, Bill Pollock. Note the feather nipple ring!
Bill Pollock trying to lift up Bobby Buchanan's toga while Christopher Bruce Marsh laughs on!

Bill Pollock preens and Sheila Stewart coulg NOT be more unimpressed! Heh.
Monica, Bill and Sheri Stanley Herren. She helped with costumes this time!
Tammy Scruggs as Titania and me as Snug the Joiner

Jason, Tammy Scruggs as Mame and Tony Hayes
Sheri Herren and Tammy Scruggs far right. Diana, Monica and Michelle to the left. Lori Makela is looking up from her studies. Sheila Crowley is to ther far left looking away
**********
I posted a bunch of photos on my Facebook but felt like putting them here too!

My sophomore year in college, I finally got up the nerve to audition. I sang "Tomorrow" from "Annie" auditioning for "Mame". I was so nervous. However, they loved me and I got cast, in fact as I was coming off the stage three people came up to ask me for the sheet music. HAH.

I was cast in the chorus for "Mame" starring Tammy Scruggs. I had SUCH a crush on her! She was such a wonderful peformer and very giving. She never played the star bit and showed me the true meaning of ensemble. We had a great time. Bobby Buchanan was in that with me and that is where I met Sheri Stanley Herren, Christopher Bruce Marsh, Mark Curran, Chuck Hayes (who directed) and many others.

The second show we did was "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Shakespeare. I got the comedy part of Snug the Joiner, and learned how to ham it up, steal scenes and pull focus. A HAM was Born!
Tammy Scrugss was Titania. Mark Curran, Bobby Buchanan, Bruce Marsh, Sheila Crowley, Beth Harkins, Suzanne Tyler and assorted fairies were in that. Speaking of fairy, a friend of Sheila Crowleys, Bill Pollock was one of the male leads. He was the first gay man I met who had a pierced nipple. He was also totally out of the closet and totally comfortable with that. He was only there one semester. Funny, one day he tried to "seduce me" but I was wayyyyy too naive and scared...and thank God his roommate was home that day! HAH.

I loved doing theatre at Radford. I learned so much and really opened up and blossomed under direction from Chuck Hayes, Dr. Hawes, Tammy Scruggs, Mark Curran, Beth Harkins and Karen Covey.

Those were the days my friend....